Getting Back To Basics

The best unkept secret for the last couple of years as been the lack of blocking by the offensive line and the receivers. The mantra this year is likely to be- Ok, we know you can catch, but can you block?

In the half scrimmage on Saturday, coaches and teammates were commenting on the toughness of the receivers. Richard Goodman delivered a big hit on Roger Williams. Greg Carr's blow to Patrick Robinson had Robinson following Carr back to the huddle for a little heated chat.

“It's real big,” Carr said of blocks down field. “We know that can be the difference between a 15-yard gain and a 60-yard gain - that one block on the outside by the receivers.”

Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher and new receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey have stressed blocking by the the receivers during the first third of spring practice.

“In the running game when you make big runs, the line gets you the first five and those receivers get you the last 85,” Fisher said. “We're trying to put a huge emphasis on the toughness we're getting downfield.”